Ribosome
/ˈraɪ.bəˌsoʊm/noun
A cellular structure made of RNA and proteins that synthesizes proteins.
Did you know?Ribosome was coined in the 1950s from Latin ribosus (“full of ribs,” referring to the ribonucleic acid component) plus the scientific suffix -some, from Greek sōma (“body”).
Etymological Timeline
1950s
English
ribosome
“A term created for the protein-making particle in cells.”
1950s
Scientific Latin/English
ribos- + -some
“A blend using ribonucleic acid and the suffix meaning “body”.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
sōma
“Body; a physical form.”
Late 19th Century
English
ribonucleic acid
“A name for the acid component of nucleic acids containing ribose.”
1890s
French/English
ribose
“A sugar name derived from the acid it was identified in.”
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